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Imagine this: you're nestled beside a rushing river in the heart of Vancouver Island. The air is crisp, filled with the sounds of nature's orchestra – chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the powerful current of the river. You're on a mission to witness one of nature's most thrilling spectacles: a bear catching salmon.
This is the reality for wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory, a National Geographic Young Explorer. He spent three months on Vancouver Island, documenting the intricate dance between predator and prey for his series, wild_life with bertie gregory.
Bears and salmon share a fascinating connection. The annual salmon run, where millions of salmon journey upstream to spawn, is a vital event for bears. It's a feeding frenzy, a chance for them to pack on crucial pounds before winter's lean months.
But capturing this on film? That's no walk in the park.
“When I tell people one of my favorite things to do is sit in a river all day, in an icy cold river waist deep, with stinking, dead salmon carcasses everywhere, waiting for a bear to turn up, they might think I'm a bit strange,” Bertie admits.
Hours can turn into days with no guarantee of the perfect shot. But for Bertie, the wait is part of the thrill.
On one particular outing, after hours of patient observation, a female bear caught Bertie's eye. She was lurking near his strategically placed action camera, drawn by the abundance of salmon. For nearly two hours, she teased the lens, coming tantalizingly close but never quite within frame.
Then, as if on cue, she moved into position. With a powerful lunge, she snatched a salmon right in front of the camera, creating a moment of pure magic.
“One of the cool things, when you nail a shot, is that not only have you just seen something incredible, but you've also captured it,” Bertie reflects. “Often, it's really difficult because you see something amazing, but it doesn't quite come together for the filming or the photography ... you're a little bit annoyed with yourself. Maybe you've missed it. When everything does come together, it's like, ‘Yeah.’”
Bertie's experience reminds us that the best things in life – and in nature – are worth waiting for. It's a testament to the power of patience, perseverance, and a deep respect for the wild.
So, the next time you find yourself yearning for a glimpse of the extraordinary, remember the bears and salmon of Vancouver Island. Their story is a powerful reminder that adventure and wonder await those willing to embrace the journey, the wait, and the wild beauty of our natural world.
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